12 things you can learn from crashes in Europe.

( Date Added: Wed Jun 20 2007   Visits: 113)  

At least that's the message from a recent comprehensive study of crashes involving motorcyclists in Europe. A thorough reading of the recent Motorcycle Accident In-Depth Study (MAIDS), which examined 921 crashes in five European countries, offers some real-world insights that are worth considering every time you fire up your bike. The study also points out the strong need for similar research here in the United States, where the last major look at motorcycle crashes is more than two decades old, and where motorcycle usage patterns are different.

22 Tech Tips to Keep Your Bike Running Strong

( Date Added: Wed Jun 20 2007   Visits: 112)  

Today's bikes aren't cheap, so getting your money's worth out of your bike is critical to your enjoyment of the sport. It's possible to offset the cost of riding and greatly extend the life of your bike if you keep up the necessary routine maintenance. There are many little chores that are easily neglected; such things as lubing the cables after you wash your bike or tightening the spokes properly can allow your bike to not only last longer but to operate better. Some of these tech tips may seem simple, but we feel these seven areas are often overlooked—and have the most potential to save you money in the long run. So we caught up with Pro Circuit's ace wrench Dave Chase and asked him about routine maintenance

Blind Eye for the Moto Guy

( Date Added: Tue Jun 19 2007   Visits: 114)  

Dirt bikes have come a long way in the past 25 years. It was once common practice to buy a new bike then spend 10 to 20 hours in the garage prepping it before you ever rode your shiny, new mount. You had to go about changing darn near everything before you could take your first ride, much less enter your first race.

Chain Replacement

( Date Added: Tue Jun 19 2007   Visits: 119)  

Before we get into all the how's and why's of the job,I need to first state that many shops will tell you that you need to replace your chain and sprockets at the same time, every time. This is incorrect information. If you replace your chain before its completely worn out, you're sprockets should be just fine. The old rule of thumb is two chains to one set of sprockets. You only really need to replace your sprockets when they show signs of wear. On a side note, I've been doing this for hundreds of thousands of miles on my bikes and have never had any problems from doing this.

Changing Your Tires

( Date Added: Wed Jun 20 2007   Visits: 111)  

1. Lay the rear wheel sprocket side down and the front wheel brake side up. 2. Remove the valve core and loosen the rim locks.

Choosing the right tire

( Date Added: Wed Jun 20 2007   Visits: 117)  

When it comes to sport bikes, the subject of tires is a common topic of discussion, and few topics evoke as much passion or controversey. What is the best tire? How old of a tire should you run? When is a tire worn out? How many heat cycles will a tire last? Where is the best place to purchase replacements? What is the best tire pressure? Etc., etc., etc. The answer to every one of these questions is the same; it depends. Depends on your riding style, where, when, and how frequently you ride. However, there are some guiding basics that will help you make the best decision. One thing to remember, is that tire technology is moving extremely fast. The greatest performance tire of all time from a few years ago can't even compare to today's sport-touring tires.

Don't Leave Home without It: A Simple Gear Checklist

( Date Added: Wed Jun 20 2007   Visits: 109)  

Every rider knows the essentials of what to bring on a ride and what to leave at home. Included in this article will be a checklist of gear, tools and parts, and inspection list to complete before ever leaving the house. These are basic preparation and safety items that everyone should have on race day, so while you’re packing up the trailer use this as a guideline!

Emergency Tire Fix on the Road

( Date Added: Wed Jun 20 2007   Visits: 117)  

How does that saying go? Oh, yes: Bring an umbrella and it'll never rain. In the grand scheme of road-trip checks and balances, the likelihood of getting a flat tire seems directly proportional to the quality of your flat kit and the walking distance to the nearest help. (And let's not forget that the odds go way up when you're out of cell-phone range.)

Flushing Your Radiator

( Date Added: Tue Jun 19 2007   Visits: 117)  

Okay, so it's really hot outside. But you still want to ride. I know I do. But you're concerned because the temperature gauge on your bike is always getting close to the red. Not good. The reason could be because you are sitting idle in traffic way too much. Or it could be that your radiator could use a flush. Realize, before we start that many bike will have different components or different procedures based on the bike. Check your service manual before starting.

How to Bleed Hydraulic Brakes

( Date Added: Wed Jun 20 2007   Visits: 118)  

Let me shed some light on this. Brake fluid is used in the hydraulic clutch and front and rear braking systems of most late model motorcycles in production today. When the fluid breaks down, the brake pistons have a tendency to stick and cause your brakes to drag and makes it hard to pull your brake lever. The reason your brake fluid should be changed more often than you realize is because these systems are in constant stress from the brake hoses, hard braking, and using the clutch in traffic. This fluid can also draw moisture into the system. Therefore, I recommend that you change your brake fluid every one to two years, minimum. The bike we are servicing today has less than 300 miles on it and is a 2003, and by the color of the fluid, I can see that it is already starting to break down after just two short years.